Louis Vuitton womenswear designer Nicolas Ghesquiere showed the label's Cruise 2026 collection in the main courtyard of the towering medieval Palais des Papes monument in southern France last week.
The audience sat in risers lining the runway set, with French first lady Brigitte Macron, actors Catherine Deneuve and Cate Blanchett and Vuitton's menswear designer Pharrell Williams in the front row.
Models marched out just after sunset in metallic suit jackets, wide capes with flame-like patterns and gladiator boots covered in mirrored glass. Some looks had extra pleats or rows of chains that added movement and volume, while looser looks included a layered bohemian skirt and wide-sleeved blouse.
The event from the LVMH-owned (LVMH.PA), opens new tab label - the world's biggest luxury brand - took place as the luxury industry grapples with a prolonged slump, with a number of fashion brands including Kering-owned Gucci and Balenciaga, privately owned Chanel and LVMH's Dior all recently naming new designers.
Ghesquiere, meanwhile, is set to stay in his position, which he took up in 2013, for several more years after a contract renewal in late 2023. —Reuters
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